Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Keith Haring Mural Art Project

This was a really fun art project that every single child enjoyed. I always forget how much kids like working together on a big project. I did this in both a K-2 class and a 3rd-6th grade class with good results in both. First I introduced Keith Haring to the kids by showing different images of his artwork, and discussed how he got his start as a street artist. His artwork is really appealing to kids( and adults) of all ages.

First, I broke them up into pairs and I gave each pair a different dancing figure template to trace and then outline with Sharpie, somewhere on several large pieces of butcher paper that I had taped together on the back. They could choose one of 6 acrylic colors to use. Together the two students painted the figure in and re-outlined with a thicker chisel tip black marker.

Then I handed out photocopies of some of his popular images such as the radiant baby, flying saucer, pulsing heart,barking dog, cross,t.v., dolphin etc. I gave each team 2-3 different images to practice drawing on scrap paper. After they had mastered the images they could go to the butcher paper on the floor that we already had put the figures on and put their images wherever they wanted, being careful not to put the same images too close. They could do them in different sizes and directions, wherever they thought they would look good. They outlined all the images in Sharpie. They loved doing this "graffiti" style art, and I think the project game them a real Keith Haring type experience as well as finished piece.

Followers

I decided to start this blog to share some of my lessons and thoughts about art and teaching art, and as a way to keep record of what I am doing. If you are an art teacher like me it is nice to get some fresh ideas from other artists. I find myself running dry sometimes when trying to come up with an idea for a new lesson, and am always so exicited when I come across a new idea or lesson that I can use. Also, if you are a homeschool mom or a K-8 teacher or just someone who is looking for some creative inspiration I hope you will find some useful ideas, lessons, and thoughts here as well. Some of my lessons have come from books or other bloggers, and I will try and reference these when I can remmber. I love to share my ideas,so feel free to use any of these projects. If you do post about a project please reference my blog.I'd also love to hear any feedback or ideas from you.
Keep doing Art! Edna